Memorial of St. Barnabas

St. Barnabas was a companion of St. Paul on their journeys to evangelize the gentiles.  But even the best of companions can have differences. When Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark, his cousin, Paul refused. The disagreement was so sharp that Barnabas and Paul separated.

Knowing that these two saints could get so mad at each other that they each went their own way has always been a consolation to me in my unsaintliness when I have conflicts!  Later on, they were reconciled.  How did they do that?  I don’t know, but I do know that when I accept the emotional pain of the conflict and offer it up as a prayer of intercession to help others, it becomes worthwhile, because every prayer works for good in this world.  And more than anything else, I want all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of each day to bear good fruit, just like the lives of Saints Barnabas and Paul.